Death of a goose called Duck sparked 10 hour stand-off

A distraught Frenchman sparked a bizarre 10-hour stand-off with Scottish island police after the death of a pet goose named Duck. It is claimed Louis Appert doused himself in petrol and headed out in his boat, threatening to set himself on fire. The incident came after he found the body of Duck, months after the bird was accused of attacking islanders on Raasay in the Hebrides.

Appert allegedly took his vessel - which he bought on eBay for $5 and lives on - out 30 yards from the coast of Churchton Bay on the island. Northern Constabulary drafted in trained police negotiators to convince Appert to give himself up. The fire brigade and Portree Lifeboat from neighbouring Skye also attended the incident, which began at 9.15am.

Appert eventually handed himself over to police at 5.45pm and was taken into custody after being examined by a doctor. He is facing several charges. It is claimed that he conducted himself in a disorderly manner on his boat and shouted, swore and threatened to blow up the vessel.



It is also alleged he brandished a gas cylinder and fuel cans, threw lumps of wood at police, repeatedly bared his buttocks and indicated that he had doused himself in fuel and would set himself alight. He is also charged with brandishing a knife and a home-made petrol bomb and committing a breach of the peace.

When previously asked why he called his goose Duck, Appert said: "Why not? It is easy to shout when it is time for his food."

Simon Crabb, prosecuting, told the court Appert has suffered from bi-polar disorder for 15 years but had been treated in the community with medication for the past three years. The fiscal added the loss of his pet may have contributed to his alleged behaviour.